May 31, 2017 – We woke up to J pod calls on the hydrophone. Luckily for us they playfully hung out at Kellett Bluff for a couple hours before crossing over to the Canadian Gulf Islands. We joined them en route so we could check out the largest cormorant rookery around on Mandarte Island. Many bald eagles repeatedly chased the birds off their nests. We said good-bye to the orcas as they ventured into areas where we’ve never seen them go. A new route perhaps up to the Fraser River? Sailed back across Haro Strait under cloudy skies to the stillness in New Channel where the gorgeous reflections blew our minds. Drifting enjoying our barbecued dinner listening to two Peregrine falcons have a long conversation. The misty rain intermittently interrupted the stillness. Stunning reflections of Flattop Island created an interesting color in the water that we haven’t seen yet. We captured so much beauty on camera today making it difficult to narrow down for a post.
Orca Spy Hop
Orca back breach
Orca Breach
Orca Half Breach
Orca Half Breach
Orca Half Breach
Playful orcas at Kellett Bluff
Orca half breach at Kellett Bluff
Juvenile Orca half breach
J40, J31, J46 – three young females who all lost their mothers too soon
J17 and J53 heading towards Mandarte Island
Harbor Seals
Blad eagle scaring birds at Mandarte Island
Cormorant Rookery, Mandarte Island
Nesting Cormorants, Mandarte Island
Juvenile bald eagle and crows
Bald Eagle, Mandarte Island
3 Juvenile Bald Eagles on Mandarte Island
Harbor Porpoise near Mandarte Island
Southern Resident Orca, J22, passing Mandarte Island and photobombed by rhinoceros auklets
Orcas heading over to Forrest Island
J26 approaching
Sailing with Southern Resident Orca, J26, aka Mike
J26 passing Sydney, BC
J26
Peregrine Falcon
Spieden Island reflections
Forest reflections
Drifting in New Channel
Elephant reflections
New Channel back eddy
Flattop Island Reflections on a rainy/cloudy day
Flattop Island Reflections on a rainy/cloudy day
Flattop Island Reflections
Harbor Seals on Flattop Island
Harbor Seals on Flattop Island
Rainy day over Yellow Island